Instructional Assistant; SY

Instructional Assistant (SY26-27)

Position Type: Full-time

Department: Special Education

Location: Hosmer Elementary School, Watertown, Massachusetts

Reports To: School Principal

Salary: Per Unit D Salary Scale

Instructional Assistants will assist teachers in providing an innovative, high‑quality education program designed to meet the needs of the children in Watertown Public Schools. Paraprofessionals will work with school staff to create an educational environment in which quality and continuity are key factors in educating the students.

• Provide needed supports to students during instructional periods and non‑instructional activities under direction from school personnel.
• Maintain student data as directed by teachers and related service providers.
• Follow and implement behavior support plans.
• Support the classroom teacher and students based on classroom needs.
• Utilize knowledge of student learning styles and child development to aid learning.
• Seek guidance of the classroom teacher when teaching strategies are not effective.
• Provide verbal support, prompting, redirection, and modeling to help students access curriculum activities.
• React professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g., environmental changes, behavior/aggression).
• Perform other duties as required.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum two years of experience working with young children.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.
• Flexibility with respect to age groups and assignments.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Experience working with elementary students who have significant learning and social/emotional needs.
• Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and understanding of behavior functions.
• Experience with ABA methodology and techniques.
• Ability to use de‑escalation techniques and executive functioning skills.
• Team collaboration skills.
• Experience with or ability to learn assistive technology and PECS functional communication systems.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.
• Certification as a teacher or license as a social worker.

• Regularly sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, handle hand‑held learning devices, reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds.

Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

• Erin Moulton, Principal – Hosmer Elementary School
• Phone: 617‑926‑7740
• Email: erin.moulton.ma.us